Author Archives: karenpts

Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY

Meditation on John 8:31–36 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford Reformation Sunday: Oct. 29, 2023 A few days ago, I took the right hands of my son, James, and his bride, Andrea, and prayed over the rings they would place on each other’s fingers. I began to speak the words that James andContinue reading “Free, Indeed!”

Meditation on Philippians 4:1–9 (Pastor) First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Oct. 15, 2023 My son, Jacob, reached out to me by text message yesterday. “Hey, Mom. Can I call?” Jacob moved to Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend. He had been living with us and going to college. Since then, he hasContinue reading “Think About These Things”

Meditation on Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 19-20 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford Oct. 8, 2023 I don’t know how old I was when I first heard about the 10 commandments. Did we learn about them in Sunday School? Maybe it was Vacation Bible School. When was the first time you heard about theContinue reading “Love 101”

Meditation on Exodus 17:1-7 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown World Communion Sunday Pastor Karen Crawford Oct. 1, 2023 Our presbytery gathered for worship and a meeting yesterday at Grace Presbyterian Church in Selden. The church building was small. It needed some paint. The yard was a bit overgrown. It was pouring rain, and I wasContinue reading “Give Us Water!”

Bedtime Story for Sept. 27, 2023

Meditation on Exodus 16:2-15 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Sept. 24, 2023 Dear friends, this a special day in the life of our ministry together. A year ago, we celebrated the official beginning of our ministry at my service of installation. Do you remember that day? Does it seem longer thanContinue reading “I’m Going to Rain Bread from Heaven for You!”

Meditation on Matthew 18:21-33 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford Sept. 17, 2023 Jim and I have been blessed with many sweet pets. But there’s one particular fur baby who touched our hearts in unexpected ways. Unexpected would have been a good name for the orange and white stray who showed up inContinue reading “Amazing Grace Changes Us!”

Meditation on Matthew 16:13-20 and Romans 13:8-14 for Rally Day First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Sept. 10, 2023 I am so glad that Rally Day is finally here! We’ve been waiting and planning for this day of new beginnings. Our choirs are singing and ringing. The children are back in worshipContinue reading “Who Do You Say That I Am?”

Meditation on Exodus 3:1–15 Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Sept. 3, 2023 It’s beautiful weather for Labor Day weekend! It feels like fall has come, but still with so many flowers in bloom—rose of Sharon and crepe myrtle! I was taking a walk yesterday afternoon, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine,Continue reading “We’re on Holy Ground”